Jacksonville Dog Bite Attorneys

If you were bit by another person’s pet, you should know that
Florida’s regulations governing dog bites are very strict. You may be
able to receive compensation by hiring an attorney well-versed in these
laws.

Morgan & Morgan’s Jacksonville attorneys can help you file a dog
bite claim, and can help you recover compensation for your injuries.
Florida’s dog bite laws are very intricate, and a lack of
understanding can setback your case and limit your chances. Our firm has
won numerous verdicts in the field of dog bites, our attorneys can
provide you with the knowledge and resources you need to make a make an
informed decision regarded whether to pursue a lawsuit or not.

Have you been injured by a dog bite? If so, our
attorneys may be able to help you pursue a lawsuit to recover
compensation for your losses. Find out more by completing our case
review form today and your claim
will be evaluated, at no cost to you.

Why Should I Hire a Jacksonville Dog Bite Attorney?

In Florida, filing a claim to recover compensation after a dog bite
injury is a fairly straightforward process; however, depending on the
complexity of your case, certain complications may delay the process.

It is important that you hire a Jacksonville dog bite attorney to
navigate these types of cases. Our attorneys have the knowledge and
experience to properly handle dog bite cases and can investigate the
incident by evaluating:

Your involvement in the event

The dog’s behavior and previous history of attacks

The location of the attack

If any warning signs were posted

The dog owner’s compliance with the law

Your attorney’s investigation can investigate the truth and help you
fend off any litigations that suggest you were at fault for the bite and
injury. The attorneys in our Jacksonville office are proficient and
thorough in their investigations and have a great track record of
building successful claims on behalf of their clients.

Florida Dog Bite Law

In Florida, an owner can be held strictly liable for damage that may
result if their dog bites another individual or damages their property.
If a person is bit by a dog and is either on public property or lawfully
on the owner’s property, the owner will generally be held accountable
for the dog’s actions. In essence, if you are bit by a dog, you are
generally entitled to compensation for your injuries—regardless of the
caution taken by the owner. Your attorney must only prove the dog bit
you and that you sustained an injury as a result.

Defenses in Dog Bite Cases

Comparative Negligence: In cases where the defendant believes the
injured party or property owner contributed to the attack or bite in
some manner, they may be able to limit their potential liability. If it
is determined the victim contributed to the bite (e.g., provoked the
animal, ignored warning signs, etc.), their recovery may be reduced by
the percentage of the attack for which the court determines they were
responsible.

Bad Dog Exception: Owners are typically not liable for injuries or
damage a victim sustains if they are lawfully on the owner’s property,
and the property contains clearly visible signs warning of a “bad dog”
or cautioning visitors to “beware of dog.”

“One Bite” Rule: Under this rule, a victim may be
barred from recovering compensation if they are aware of the dog’s
previous vicious behavior or of any previous attacks.

Liability

Liability is not strictly limited to the dog’s owner. For example, if a
landlord is aware that there is a dangerous dog on his or her property,
he or she may also be liable for the dog’s actions. This is because the
landlord has a duty to protect his or her tenants from the risk of
injury.

What Can I Recover After a Dog Bite Attack?

If you have been injured by a dog bite, you may be able to recover
compensation for present and future medical expenses, pain and
suffering, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, veterinary bills, and
property damage.